Why We Why We Best Noise Cancelling Headphones (And You Should, Too!)

Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation Sony noise cancelling headphones are a little different from the previous model but sound just as great. They're comfy, lightweight and feature a variety of features including Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention mode wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

The ANC is extremely powerful and reduces train noise to a minimal rumble. The option to pass through lets you hear outside sounds if needed.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are consistently among the top of the line in the market when it comes to noise cancelling. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is not an exception. They offer one of the most enjoyable audio experiences that we've had. When you put on your headphones and enable noise cancellation, it's like entering a world of silence. Engine sounds, HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors all go out of the window.

The XM5s also shine on the audio aspect. Their wide soundstage allows every element of a song to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy for example, the drums are pounding with a pleasing amount of force and power while the soaring vocals blend throughout the mix.

The XM5s are also notable because of their smart interaction with your smart device. They can detect the moment they are removed from the head and then pause the music. They also can detect that you are on a busy highway and automatically reduce the noise cancelling level.

The WH-1000XM5s also are environmentally friendly. The WH-1000XM5s consist of recycled plastics, acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. The headband is constructed of premium fabric. And they come with a collapsible carry case that folds to form a small pouch, plus a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable that can be used in a quiet mode. The earcups are removable for easy cleaning. The XM5s run on rechargeable batteries that provide up to 20 hours of playtime on full charge. They're also equipped with an adaptive speed charging system that charges at twice the speed of standard USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more versatile than the Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless headphones due to their incredibly comfortable fit, well-balanced sound profile, and ANC feature that blocks out a large amount of background noise. The Bose headphones also come with longer battery life of 20 hours, take less time to charge and can be used connected to a smartphone even when the battery is not fully charged which makes them a great option for those looking for a pair of headphones that can serve as commuting headphones or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphone have a dedicated Google Assistant button, which will allow the assistant to play music, answer questions and read notifications on your smartphone. They have outstanding noise cancellation capabilities, and even though they're getting long in the tooth by 2020 standards (and have successors in their line of siblings, the QC35) However, you can still find great deals on the headphones.

As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do an excellent job of cancelling out ambient noise, and their noise reduction technology has improved over the years. They're not the most effective ANC headphone out there particularly when compared to more recent competitors. Audiophiles will want to consider other options for better audio quality.

The QC35s also have the ability to connect to two devices at once and also "audio share" with a person. This is a great option if you'd like to listen to music while talking to someone else. They are also popular with frequent flyers and feature that classic Bose design that people love. If you're looking to spruce up your QC35s with a little personalization, decal covers like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available for an affordable price.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s made by Sony do not change much in terms of comfort or aesthetics however, their noise cancellation technology is a totally new device. Sony has replaced the old system-on chip (SoC) with a new one, which it claims will enable it to listen and respond more precisely to the ambient sound in real time by reducing mid- and high-frequency noises using its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup suck up ambient sound. This is then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling processor to reduce it as fast as is possible without affecting the quality of your music. The result is an audio quality that rivals the best headphones at this price point.

There's a sensitivity dial which lets you adjust the noise cancellation to suit your preferences. You might, for instance prefer to hear ambient sounds in public while at home, or you might prefer a more secluded off listening experience. This feature makes use of geo-location to automatically apply the right setting based on the location you're at.

The WH1000XM4s have the capability of making hands-free phone calls. They also have a 30 hour battery life and rapid charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also have a robust Bluetooth connection that supports multipoint and NFC support. In my tests the speedy remastering of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and vibrant, while even rough mixes and recordings from home were clear and full.

To get the most value out of these headphones, it is necessary to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. This lets you customize the EQ settings and offers convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint, while allowing you to unlock some of the cooler new stuff - such as access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering technique that breathes life into old music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are a great option if you're looking to purchase a pair that offers outstanding active noise cancellation at affordable costs. They're a step up from their predecessor, the 710N Wireless, with higher ANC performance and superior audio quality. They also feature a lighter design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

These headphones are not for you if you want premium features such as LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening that incorporates voice assistants. Also, they don't come with a carry case or auto-pause functionality and the earcups don't fold, which may make them tough to carry around.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent but not as good as the aforementioned 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic. They are light and comfortable for long periods of time, but they won't withstand rigorous use or even a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is a little bulky and the earcups tend to creak when you move your head. The controls are easy to use with tactile buttons which provide a satisfying click-like feedback. A single press of the power button toggles ANC on and off, while pressing and holding it prompts you to turn on Sony's Adaptive Audio Control feature. This feature lets you choose the appropriate profile based on your location or the way you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N is one of the most affordable headphones for wireless noise cancelling headphones (visit the site) on the market. For the price, you get great ANC with a great sound, wireless noise cancelling headphones lightweight comfort and up to 35 hours of battery life. If you're a frequent commuter these headphones are worth considering.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's headsets and earbuds are known for their value and the Air Pro is no exception. They are perfect for music and calls and their ANC technology blocks out a lot of noise without making your ears feel like they are being suffocated. They also come with many features that are available in headphones that cost up to twice as more.

The earbuds are characterized by an over-emphasized bass range that adds rumble and a punch to most tracks while keeping the instruments and lead vocals clear and present. This makes them suitable for a wide range of music, even though they might sound a bit loud for some. The frequency response is very consistent, ensuring they sound exactly the same regardless of the music you are listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds were enthralled by the track's booming intro with enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly agile listen with the treble shining through the layered vocals as well as the percussion.

On the phone, the voice quality is excellent even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds are equipped with the latest Qualcomm chip to maintain the clarity of calls, with background noises and clicks being kept at bay even when talking near the London Underground at rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is excellent, with a small number of issues we encountered during our testing. They connect and pair quickly, with minimal latency with iOS and Android devices. They're also IPX5 water resistant, so they're perfect for rain and exercise - though you shouldn't put them in water. They come with a case that can hold two quarters and a quarter of a charge. This is ideal for travel.